InStep, PC - Testimonials

Testimonials

Dear Angela,

A long time has passed since we started Stepping Stones in January.

You made a commitment then to participate in this program and you have stuck to it. We appreciate your willingness to come all those Thursday nights when you were tired and would rather have stayed home. We think the sacrifice was well worth it! You have come a long way!

We see improvements in many areas and we see you putting into action the skills you learned at Stepping Stones. For example, you can recognize when you are stressed and use breathing exercises to help you. You have learned creative ways to deal with kids who tease (which will come in handy with ornery Thomas in your class!) Also, you are able to read social cues more easily. We are proud of you for taking these skills and using them in your everyday life.

We are happiest, though, about the increase in your self-esteem. You seem to know yourself better – your strengths and weaknesses, and have a realistic view of the awesome person that you are. We love to see you walk with your head high and an air of confidence about you.

We are also proud of the way you have handled your learning disability diagnoses. You did not fall apart over it but rather accepted it. You are now doing everything asked of you to deal with it. We know tat this is not always easy.

We’re excited for you that you were chosen to be one of the only fourth grade patrols. That says a lot about you; that you are trustworthy, dependable and fair. Your classmates like you, too. They told you that by electing you to be their SCA representative.

Remember all these things. There is no one else in the world just like you. We are blessed to have you for a daughter. We love you and will always be here for you.

Love,
Mom and Dad

Dear Chris,

Today is graduation, a very special day for you and your new friends. I’m very proud of you today. You’ve worked hard and without a doubt, you’ve made progress. Everyone sees it and I hope you feel it.

You should know that I didn’t write this letter alone. Before I put pen to paper I spoke to many people. This letter is not just a letter from you Dad, but also a letter from all the people who love you and care about you and want all the best for you. Judy, Mr. Shields, Grandma, and Mary Anne all told me about how you have changed for the better over the past six months and their encouraging words can be found throughout this letter.

Without hesitation, everyone says you’ve improved. Since you’ve started at Stepping Stones, you have a better awareness of how your own actions and reactions to circumstances and events affect how others act and react. You’ve learned strategies and tactics to cope with adverse conditions and you’ve found many ways to take your new found knowledge and apply it in practice.

Just think about the recent Boy Scout campouts to Quantico and Beatty’s Farm. They turned out so much better than previous events. You’ve learned how to better interact socially in large groups and not rise to the bait when someone tries to tease you.

Remember how at the beginning of the school year, you had a hard time. Sixth grade, especially when it’s in middle school, is tough. But you began spending your free time in Judy’s lab. You found a group of 6th and 7th graders, and even some high school kids, and you spent time talking about what you love – computer and card games. You made some friends.

Your ability to focus on someone else’s feelings and needs has also improved. Like last week at the mall with your friend. You talked things over and found something that you both wanted to do. That was great!

Someone, just the other day, told me what a nice conversation they had with you and how attentive you were. You’re better at coping with people’s questions and at making eye contact when having a conversation. Of course you still speak your mind and tell it like it is, and that’s OK, but you’ve improved at accepting and responding to other people’s ideas and suggestions. You’re even better at dealing with your sister and Dad – probably the hardest thing you’ll ever have to do.

We are all encouraged by your progress and what’s even more wonderful is that you’ve shown all this growth while still maintaining the exuberance, charm, and wit that are your signature traits. Interacting with people is not always easy. You’ll encounter difficult people, but don’t let them get you down. Just keep practicing what you’ve learned here at Stepping Stones.

Your first real big chance to apply all your new-found skills comes on Sunday when you head off for a week of Boy Scout camp. You’re going to have a great time. Just remember what Beverly, Malinda and all the boys have helped you to understand about yourself and others, and I’m sure this will be one of your best trips ever.

Congratulations on your graduation, William!

We love you!
Dad and Mom